Clinical Medicine I 6 credit hours

The essentials of diagnosis and management of the most common clinical problems seen by primary care practitioners. Using an organ systems and life stages approach, clinical information is presented in conjunction with appropriate correlative lectures in emergent and preventive care. Patient cases are used in the small group setting to enhance readings and lectures, and students assess standardized patients in a controlled setting. This is a core course around which most other courses are organized.

Diagnostic Medicine II (with lab) 4 credit hours

This is the second of a multi-semester course covering medical interviewing, physical diagnosis, radiology, imaging, clinical laboratory tests, electrocardiography (ECG), and other diagnostic methods. Information is presented in conjunction with appropriate clinical medicine lectures. The second semester includes physical examination techniques and continues with basic principles of radiology (indications for, contraindications of, materials used, information obtained and complications), pathology, and the correlation between disease process and interpretation of clinical laboratory diagnostic tests. Includes demonstration and practice of various physical examination and laboratory methods including ECG theory and interpretation.Teaching methods include learning team meetings and clinical assignments to examine and/or interview patients in hospital, outpatient, or long-term care settings.

Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics II 1 credit hours

This course builds on principles covered in previous Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics courses. Drug categories and specific drugs used in the treatment of common diseases are presented using an organ systems approach to therapeutic management. Indications, contraindications, drug-drug interactions, appropriate drug dosing and monitoring are covered. Additionally, pharmacologic management of pregnant/lactating females, pediatric and elderly patients are included.

Fundamentals of Medical Science II 1 credit hours

Concepts in Pathophysiology, Medical Genetics, Immunology and Clinical Microbiology are presented in correlation with Clinical Medicine Courses. The Medical Genetics topics provide a foundation for understanding the role of genes and chromosomes in basic patterns of inheritance, genetic factors in disease, screening and testing for genetic abnormalities and ethical and legal considerations. The Medical Microbiology topics cover pathogenic bacteria, fungi, viruses and animal parasites in relation to human disease with an emphasis on pathogenesis, mechanisms of virulence, epidemiology, therapy and prevention. The Immunology topics introduce basic principles of human immunity, response of the body to injury and common immunologic disorders.

Professional Development II 1 credit hours

A course series taught throughout the preclinical phase, topics covered include the history of the PA profession, medical ethics, licensure and certification, PAs roles in health care, coding, reimbursement and health delivery systems. Focus on patient and professional communication, various professional practice issues and lifelong learning. Will include hands-on practice of various clinical skills, i.e. surgical gowning, suturing, in preparation for the clinical phase. Discussions on current clinical issues and student presentations on patient casework included. Meetings may also reinforce principles and practices taught in concurrent courses. Students will be assigned to teams with a faculty mentor, and this course will consist of regular team meetings and team based learning activities.

Evidence Based Medicine I 3 credit hours

A lecture and seminar course that provides a practical approach to making sound medical decisions on the basis of current evidence in the medical literature. Through a series of didactic presentations, group exercises, and reading, students will learn the basic principles of evidence-based medicine. Basic skills in using MEDLINE and other medical databases will be emphasized and practiced. Research principles, research ethics, and basic statistical review are introduced.

Cross-Cultural Medicine 2 credit hours

This course examines diverse ways in which societies throughout the globe view and manage human disease and the implications this has for health care and medicine. The focus of the course is on the development of attitudes and skills that will empower the learner to become an effective clinician in a variety of cultural settings. The course also explores changes in overall health care in the context of globalization and considers how an understanding of the influence of culture on health is crucial for the development of international public health policy and practice.